Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to voluntarily implement a fee on real estate transfers to generate revenue specifically for affordable housing. Under the new provisions, settlement agents would collect this fee based on the sale price of a property and remit the funds to local or regional affordable housing commissions. The collected money must be used exclusively for adaptive reuse, production, or preservation of affordable housing projects that serve low- and moderate-income households. Local communities that choose to adopt this option would gain a dedicated funding source to support their specific housing needs without state mandates.

By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2894) of Samantha Montaño and others for legislation to increase the deeds excise to fund emergency assistance needs of certain low income tenants and homeowners. Revenue.

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2747) of Mike Connolly and others for legislation to support affordable housing with a local option for a fee to be applied to certain real estate transactions. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a tax credit for individuals who sponsor others to improve their academic grade level by at least one year. Under the plan, a qualified person would register with an accredited school or educational organization to act as a sponsor for a student or adult seeking academic advancement. If the sponsored individual successfully improves their grade, the sponsor would receive a tax credit ranging from $750 to $2,200, with amounts potentially adjusted for inflation. The Massachusetts Department of Education would be responsible for setting the standards for both the sponsors and the students, as well as overseeing the program's administration and evaluation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to pass local laws that limit how much landlords can raise rents and restrict when they can evict tenants. Municipalities would adopt these rules by voting to accept the chapter and then creating specific ordinances that cap annual rent increases at the lower of the Consumer Price Index or 5 percent. The protections apply to most rental units but exclude small owner-occupied buildings, dormitories, elderly care facilities, and new buildings with a recent occupancy certificate. Additionally, the bill requires that evictions or lease non-renewals only happen for specific reasons such as unpaid rent, lease violations, criminal activity, or the owner converting the unit to a cooperative.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a Literacy Tax Credit program in Massachusetts to financially reward individuals who help others achieve full literacy. Under the plan, a designated "Literacy Sponsor" would receive a tax credit ranging from $750 to $2,200 for each person they successfully guide through a state-approved Literacy Training Lesson Program. To qualify, both the sponsor and the learner must be registered with accredited educational organizations, and the learner must earn a Literacy Certificate upon completion. The Massachusetts Department of Education would be responsible for setting the specific standards for participation, adjusting credit amounts for inflation, and publishing regular reports on the program's results.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to choose whether to implement rent control and eviction protections for residents in their communities. If a municipality opts in, it must pass local rules that cap how much landlords can raise rents each year and ensure evictions only happen for specific, justified reasons like non-payment or lease violations. The protections apply to most rental units but exclude small owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, properties already regulated by other agencies, college dorms, and elderly care facilities. Local governments would have the option to adopt these measures through various methods, including ordinances or binding votes by their residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new independent commission on transportation safety oversight and regulation in Massachusetts to replace the Department of Public Utilities' current role in overseeing certain transportation matters. The new seven-member commission will be appointed by the governor, Senate president, and House speaker, with specific requirements for members to have expertise in transportation safety, engineering, or public finance. The legislation also repeals several existing sections of state law related to public utility hearings and filings, while updating references to the old department in other statutes to point to the new commission. This change shifts authority over transportation safety oversight from an executive department to a separate, independent body designed to provide broader representation.

By Representative Nguyen of Andover, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2245) of Tram T. Nguyen and others for legislation to strengthen the direct care and dementia workforce. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-funded programs and facilities from using procedures that cause physical pain or deny basic humane conditions to people with disabilities. Specifically, it bans practices such as hitting, pinching, or electric shock used to change behavior, while also forbidding any punishment that would be illegal if applied to non-disabled individuals. Additionally, the law prevents institutions from denying individuals reasonable access to sleep, food, shelter, bedding, and bathroom facilities. These changes directly affect agencies licensed or approved by the Commonwealth that care for persons with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.